Halloween Chapter Books
How do you set the mood for Halloween with slightly older children, while also encouraging their reading development? Through Halloween chapter books that embrace the spooky season while inspiring children to read!
Halloween is my favorite holiday! While I like the candy, dressing up, and decorations of it all, I also like to lean into the Halloween mood with my reading choices – and I encourage my kids to do the same.
When they were younger, I decorated our mantel with Halloween picture books for them to enjoy. Now, I hand them a new chapter book about Halloween or a fantasy element like ghosts or witches that leans into the vibes. Below are my suggestions to bring Halloween into your home through reading.
The Best Halloween Chapter Books
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Beginning Reader
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise by Kate Di Camillo – Jump to section
Early Reader
Ghoulia by Barbara Cantini – Jump to section
Classic
Howliday Inn by James Howe – Jump to section
Fantasy Middle Grade
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Randsom Riggs – Jump to section
Made into a Movie
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling – Jump to section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Beginning Reader Halloween Books
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
Author: Kate DiCamillo
Illustrator: Chris Van Dusen
Year: 2013
Genre: Early Reader Books
Age: 5 – 7
More info: Mercy Watson #4
Plot
Everyone’s favorite pig is back for some Halloween antics in this continuation of the Mercy Watson series. Mercy is ready for the treating part of the night with visions of her beloved buttered toast.
But Eugenie Lincoln, next door, isn’t quite in the Halloween spirit… especially when she sees Mercy show up in a princess costume!
Why Kirsten loves it
Mercy Watson is my favorite early reader series. Not only will your kids feel confident while reading this book, but the illustrations are by Chris Van Dusen who is my absolute favorite!
Find similar books in: Animal Books for Kids
A Super Scary Narwhalloween
Author: Ben Clanton
Illustrator: Ben Clanton
Year: 2023
Genre: Beginning Reader Book
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Narwhal & Jelly #8
Plot
Join the best friends as they celebrate the spookiest time of the year! Jelly doesn’t love the holiday but has to come to Narwhal’s rescue when he’s been swallowed by a sea monster!
Why Kirsten loves it
Looking for one of the best Halloween chapter books for young readers? Look no further than the lastest installment of the Narwhal and Jelly series. It’s everything I’ve come to love about this fabulous series with a clever seasonal twist!
Find similar books in: Best Books for Beginning Readers
Nate the Great and the Halloween Hunt
Author: Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Illustrator: Marc Simont
Year: 1990
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 9
More info: Nate the Great #12
Plot
It’s Halloween night, but Nate’s friend’s cat is missing. Is he lost or hiding? Nate and his dog, Sludge, are on the case!
Why Jackie loves it
This is a wonderful early reader Halloween chapter book for the kiddos in your life. It will help enhance their reading abilities while getting them in the Halloween spirit.
Find similar books in: Mystery Books for Kids
Dragon’s Halloween
Author: Dav Pikey
Illustrator: Dav Pikey
Year: 2003
Genre: Beginning Reader Fantasy
Age: 4 – 8
Plot
Dragon loves Halloween in this spooky Halloween early reader book. Your younger reader will laugh out loud as Dragon tries to figure out how to be scary.
Why Kirsten loves it
This is a great one for even the most reluctant early reader. Pilkey’s unique storyline and fun illustrations will have any child entertained.
Find similar books in: Dragon Books for Kids
Early Reader Halloween Books
Plot
Ghoulia is a little zombie who lives in with her Auntie departed and her greyhound, Tragedy in a crumbly old Manor. Ghoulia is desperate to find a friend, but she knows that children will be scared of her. She thinks Halloween will be her perfect cover when everyone else is in costume. Can she make a friend?
Why Kirsten loves it
I love this clever story for it’s moral about friends and it’s unique plotline that’s perfect for young readers on Halloween.
Find similar books in: Books about Friendship
Haunted Castle on Hallows Eve
Author: Mary Pope Osborne
Illustrator: Sal Murdocca
Year: 2008
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 5 – 8
More info: Merlin Missions #2
Plot
Annie and Jack are headed to Camelot on Hallow’s Eve to help Merlin solve the mystery of the haunted castle. They need to find the Stone of Destiny in order to go back home.
Why Kirsten loves it
The Merlin Mission series is the next step after the Magic Tree House series. It’s designed for more experienced readers, ready for the next stage of reading development. This particular story takes place on Halloween!
Find similar books in: Early Reader Books
The Great Ghost Hoax
Author: Emily Ecton
Illustrator: David Mottram
Year: 2021
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 7-12
More info: The Great Pet Heist #2
Plot
When Mrs. Third Floor shows up in Butterbean’s apartment claiming she saw a ghost, the pets decide to investigate. Can Butterbean and the gang get to the bottom of the paranormal activity?
Why Jackie loves it
With charming sketches and a thrilling story, this is a great step below a full middle grade reader book. The story is perfect for Halloween too!
Find similar books in: Best Books for 8-year-olds
A to Z Mysteries: Haunted Hotel
Author: Ron Roy
Illustrator: John Steven Gurney
Year: 2009
Genre: Early Reader Mystery
Age: 6 – 9
More info: A to Z Mysteries #8
Plot
There are tons of strange things happening at the Shangri-la Hotel as Halloween draws near. The guests are all leaving because they are too scared. Ruth, Dink, and Josh are on the case as they try to figure out what’s behind the spooking.
Why Kirsten loves it
The A to Z mysteries are the next step up from the Cam Jansen series in terms of reading ease for kids who like mysteries. This spooky Haunted Hotel story is perfect for ghost lovers too!
Find similar books in: Best Books for 7-year-olds
Classic Halloween Chapter Books
Howliday Inn
Author: James Howe
Illustrator: Lynn Munsinger
Year: 2006
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 8 – 10
More info: Bunnicula #2
Plot
Technically the sequel to Bunnicula, this read-aloud book can be read as a stand-alone. Chester and Harold are being boarded while their family is on vacation, but they are convinced they are staying in a haunted hotel!
Why Kirsten loves it
I remember laughing out loud as I read this middle grade mystery book as a child. I recently read it aloud again with my children and they had the exact same reaction I did! You will be busting at the seams with laughter. I highly recommend this one as a bedtime read-aloud during Halloween.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Best Mystery Books for Tweens / Best Books for 9-year-olds / Best Bedtime Stories
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark
Author: Alvin Schwartz
Illustrator: Stephen Gammell
Year: 1986
Genre: Middle Grade Horror
Age: 7 – 11
More info: Scary Stories #1
Plot
This collection of stories are sure to terrify any child looking to be spooked. Don’t be fooled by the age range! These stories are good for campfires and late nights far past the original ages listed.
Why Kirsten loves it
This short story came out in middle school when I was in peak horror movie phase. Let me tell you, I still have nightmares about this series! I read them, I loved them, I’m still terrified of them and to be honest, I haven’t read a horror story since.
Find similar books in: Best Ghost Books
Coraline
Author: Neil Gaiman
Illustrator: Dave McKean
Year: 2012
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 9+
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Plot
In this book, Coraline steps through a door and finds a house just like hers, maybe even better! She meets another set of parents who want her to be their little girl. Can Coraline escape these parents and get back to her ordinary life?
Why Jackie loves it
Neil Gaiman’s imagination never ceases to amaze me. The movie adaptation and graphic novel remake are both fantastic as well.
Find this book in: Graphic Novels / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Halloween Chapter Books
The Witches
Author: Roald Dahl
Illustrator: Quentin Blake
Year: 1983
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 7 – 10
Plot
A little boy and his grandmother come face-to-face with the Grand High Witch and all her evil minions. When the boy is turned into a mouse, he needs to figure out how he can defeat them and turn back into human form. This classic Halloween movie was recently remade!
Why Jackie loves it
Roald Dahl’s children’s books often skew towards the creepy side, but this one in particular is perfect for Halloween. I love the original movie and the remake with Anne Hathaway.
Find this book in: Witch Books for Kids / Halloween Chapter Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books
Bunnicula: A Rabbit Tale of Mystery
Author: Deborah and James Howe
Illustrator: Alan Daniel
Year: 1979
Genre: Middle Grade Mystery
Age: 7 – 10
More info: Bunnicula #1
Plot
Chester, a cat, and Harold, a dog, live in perfect harmony with their family until a new pet is brought onto the scene. When the family brings home a new bunny named Bunnicula, Chester is convinced he is Dracula’s rabbit. Weird things start to happen and they are convinced that Bunnicula is a vampire rabbit! Hijinks ensue.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s the first in a series and the second one is even funnier. The whole series is part mystery, part comedy and fully entertaining.
Find this book in: The 17 Best Chapter Books to Read Aloud / Halloween Chapter Books / Children’s Books About Bunnies
Fantasy Halloween Chapter Books
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Year: 2011
Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy
More info: Miss Peregruine’s Peculiar Children book 1 of 6
Age Range: 9+
Plot
When Jacob experiences a family tragedy, he finds himself on a remote island off the coast of Whales. He Discovers a crumbling ruin that was once Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
As Jacob explores the ruins, he finds clues that lead him to believe these children might be alive even though it seems impossible.
Why Jackie loves it
This series is full of magic and mystery. The amazing combination of fiction with antique photographs leads to a truly unique story that brings the characters to life.
Find this book in: Middle Grade Fantasy / Halloween Chapter Books / Time Loop Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books / Magic School Books
Plot
Does your kid love the Hogwarts Express? Because this book features another magical world where the gateway is in a railroad station. It features a wizard, an ogre, a hag, and a fey all sneaking around trying to save a prince who’s been kidnapped.
Why Kirsten loves it
It’s a stand-alone book, not part of a series, and my son gobbled it up in two days!
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Witch Books for Kids
Magyk
Author: Angie Sage
Year: 2009
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8 – 11
More info: Septimus Heap #1
Plot
Septimus Heap is the seventh son of a seventh son. He disappears the night that he is born and his parents are told he is dead. That night, his father finds a baby girl in the snow. This story sets up the adventures for the rest of the series with magic, adventure, and bravery.
Why Kirsten loves it
When the kids in my house were looking to fill the post-Harry Potter void, this is the series they picked up. It’s 7 books deep and is a wonderfully spun story of magic and wizards that any fantasy-obsessed kiddo will love.
Find this book in: Books like Percy Jackson / Halloween Chapter Books / Books like Harry Potter for Kids
City of Ghosts
Author: Victoria Schwab
Year: 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 10 – 13
More info: Cassidy Blake #1
Plot
When Cass is rescued from drowning, she suddenly becomes able to maneuver between the land of the living and the other side of the veil. The boy who rescued her is a ghost, and he becomes her best friend.
Her parents are ghost hunters and then they get a job filming a TV show in Scotland, they all pack up and go, including Cass’s ghost. What they find is scary and creepy, and makes for a fabulously fun novel.
Why Jackie loves it
While this is technically a middle-grade book, this paranormal book was SCARY. I absolutely loved it, but it should not be read by anyone afraid of ghost stories or ghost books.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Books Set in Scotland / Ghost Books / Middle Grade Fantasy Books
Halloween Chapter Books Made into Movies
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Author: J. K Rowling
Year: 1998
Genre: Middle-Grade fantasy
More info: Harry Potter #1 of 7
Age Range: 8+ (note that some of the later books in the series may not be appropriate until a bit older)
Plot
I was in university when this book was published and the first four were sitting on my younger brother’s bookshelf before I picked it up to see what the fuss was about. I read all four books in as many days and was married with a child before the final book was published.
This story introduces us to Harry, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger; our fearless trio. We also meet the other favorite beloved and detested characters that make the Harry Potter book series so special. After all, what would Hogwarts be without Hagrid, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape, and Draco Malfoy?
Trigger Warnings
Parental death
Why Jackie loves it
I firmly believe that JK Rowling changed children’s literature more profoundly than any other author. I realize that this is a very strong statement. But, until her, there have never been books that have had such an impact on the world of reading. The books are so brilliantly laid out with easter eggs in book one that are essential for the entire plot. I believe this is one of the best fantasy series ever written.
Why Kirsten loves it
In my opinion, this is the best children’s fantasy series ever written. It features strong lessons on morality, inventive plotlines, and hidden threads woven throughout the entire series. Jim Dale’s audiobook narration of this book is award-winning. He voices over 200 characters, each with distinct accents and my kids have listened to the entire series multiple times
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Audiobooks for Kids / Harry Potter Books in Order / Books like Percy Jackson / Fantasy Books for Tweens / Magic School Books / Jackie’s Favorite Books / Kirsten’s Favorite Books / Books to Read Aloud
House with A Clock in Walls
Author: John Bellairs
Illustrator: Edward Gorey
Year: 2004
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Age: 8-12
More info: Lewis Barnavelt #1
Plot
The first
Turns out, the clock was made to destroy every human! Will Lewis be able to stop it?
Why Jackie loves it
This is a good book to start tweens on scary stories. I loved it as a kid! The recent Halloween movie adaptation stars Jack Black.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books
The Worst Witch
Author: Jill Murphy
Year: 2014
Genre: Early Reader Chapter Book
Age: 5-10
More info: Worst Witch #1
Plot
Mildred Hubble begins her magical adventures at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches in the first book of the series. She is quite a mess as she mixes up spells, crashes her broomstick, and generally causes havoc around the school.
Why Kirsten loves it
Kids will love this series if they are fans of Harry Potter but are on the younger side. When you are done reading this one, try watching the Netflix adaptation. It’s a big hit in my house!
Find this book in: Halloween Movies Based on Books / Halloween Chapter Books / Witch Books for Kids
Casper The Friendly Ghost
Author: Lars Bourne
Illustrator: Warren Kremer
Year: 1952
Genre: Comic Book
Age: 8+
Plot
Casper the Friendly Ghost has delighted comic book lovers for years. His stories aren’t strictly Halloween-based, but his ghostly group of friends make for year-round reading.
Why Kirsten loves it
Casper is a great entry point into the world of comic books for kids, especially reluctant readers. This comic strip made an excellent Halloween movie that I adored as a child.
Find this book in: Halloween Chapter Books / Halloween Movies Based on Books
Helpful Tips
- If one of the books your child reads is a movie, see the movie with them after they finish! Be sure to ask them what was different between the book and the movie!
- Choosing a book about an upcoming holiday your child is excited about is a great way to get them to read!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Hobbit a good read for the Halloween season?
While The Hobbit is a good fantasy novel that can be read year-round, I think there are better chapter books for kids with Halloween in mind.
Are there Halloween books for early readers?
Of course! There are great options for new readers to enjoy. In addition to the ones on this list, try having your child read their favorite Halloween picture books out loud to you.
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Epilogue
Spooky Halloween chapter books are the perfect way to get your child ready for trick-or-treating. Whether they are just beginning their reading journey or are almost ready to move on to young adult books, I hope I was able to provide some good suggestions for you. Tell me below, did you find any stories for spooky season?
Halloween Books
From adults to babies to elementary-age kids, we have Halloween books perfect for every age of reader.
